The right of signature and modification in copyright protects the integrity of the work, and the period of protection is not limited. But property rights have a protection period.
Calligraphy and painting belong to works of art in the copyright law, and the protection period of their property rights is 50 years before and after the author's death. Ancient calligraphy and painting, its property rights must have passed the protection period, and you can spread it freely.
Photographs belong to photographic works in the copyright law, and the protection period of their property rights is fifty years, ending at 65438+February 3 1 day in the fiftieth year after the first publication of the works. If those old photos were published in 1959, the property rights are still in the protection period. If it was published 58 years ago, it has passed the protection period and can be spread freely.
Generally speaking, the copyright of a photo belongs to its author (photographer). However, the property right in copyright can be transferred, and others may obtain copyright through the transfer contract.
Watermark can't change the ownership of rights, but it may be an act of infringing the right of signature.